Actually, this is more about ruining the very simple phrase “You’re Welcome.”
It’s easier than you think. Instead of expressing a genuine reciprocation of the understanding that you’ve done something nice for someone, dismiss the entire event in as few words as possible.
Water under the bridge, some say. No problem.
I hate hearing someone say No Problem when they hear thank you. It’s become a universally accepted replacement for You’re Welcome, but it stinks, because at once you’re dismissing any effort you made on their behalf, as well as implying that a similar but perhaps broader request might sometime go unanswered.
Try it sometime, see how it feels. Spend a Wednesday answering with nothing but No Problem – then on Thursday, answer entirely with You’re Welcome, Glad To, or some other sincere acknowledgment that you had the choice not to help someone out, but did so anyway.
Own the work, and you’ll earn the gratitude.
Or is that too Seth Godin for you? You’re welcome.
About This Post's Author - Ian
Hi! I'm Ian. I'm an online marketing specialist with Modern Earth Web Design. When I'm not working, spending time with my family, or puttering about in various spaces online, I write here, as well as at Thoughtwrestling and Unspeakable Media.This is my blog.
That’s really you writing, isn’t it Seth? You’re a little more verbose than normal, but I think you tied up Ian and you’re cackling madly as you type.
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I think I’d have a small stroke if Seth Godin wrote a post for my blog – or even a cheeky comment.
I’ll have to settle for poor impersonation and good comments
You either do or do not recognize it, but that’s a page from ye olde InterTAN training video, especially where “no problem” is concerned; except they taught us to say, “My pleasure.”
Oh no, I’m giving away company secrets on how to be polite!